Iran and the Middle East wave of protest
March 11, 2011
Today’s Update features some views on Iranian reactions to the protests across the Middle East, as well as internal divisions within the Iranian regime.
First up is Iranian-American journalist Azadeh Moaveni, who is not only familiar with the Iranian scene, but also previously reported from Egypt. She notes some contrasts between the protest movements in Egypt and Tunisia and the Iranian one – primarily, she sees the Iranian protest movement having a more coherent vision of their demands than those put forward by the Arab peoples.
International Intervention in Libya?
March 4, 2011
Today’s Update deals with the international debate over whether outside parties can or should intervene in the conflict in Libya between long-serving eccentric dictator Muammar Gaddafi and the rebels seeking his overthrow.
First up, reviewing the strategic realities of the current conflict is Michael Knights, a military expert at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He reviews the course of the fighting so far, and the relative success the Gaddafi forces have had in using their greater mobility to squeeze rebel pockets in Western Libya (though they remain unable to dent the rebel-held towns of the East.)
Israel and the Middle East Unrest/Bernard Lewis
March 3, 2011
This Update features an interpretation of the Middle East unrest by probably the world’s greatest scholar of Middle East history – 94-year-old Prof. Bernard Lewis. But first it also features some important new commentary on the ways in which an excessive focus on Israel has distorted both understanding of the Mideast region, and more importantly, policy toward the Arab dictators.
Libya unrest continues
February 25, 2011
The unrest and violence in Libya continue, with allegations of thousands killed, terrible stories coming from refugees, and dictator Muammar Gaddafi apparently consolidating his hold over the capital Tripoli even as rebels gain control of more and more other towns. This Update is devoted to provide the background, details and analysis to help understand both what is happening in Libya and what is at stake.
The Path to Egyptian Democracy
February 17, 2011
With the military now in charge in Egypt and promising to submit a revised constitution to a referendum in two months, and then proceed to a general election, the obvious question is; will this lead to something resembling genuine democracy in Egypt?
Beyond Egypt – The Changing Middle East
February 11, 2011
This Update moves beyond a focus on the immediate drama continuing in Egypt to look at the changing realities across the Middle East. First up, the alway insightful Robert Satloff – head of the Washington Insitute for Near East Policy – offers a set of new ideas for US policy
Some Significant Perspectives on Egypt
February 10, 2011 | AIJAC staff
With the Egyptian situation still both volatile and apparently stale-mated – after a decline in protest numbers, they now appear to be back up again – much continues to be written about what could happen, Western policy and the roots of the current situation.
Egypt and the Islamists
February 4, 2011 | AIJAC staff
With the crisis in Egypt apparently getting more violent and chaotic, this Update contains a number of pieces dealing with what most observers agree is the most worrying possible outcome of the Egyptian crisis, the possible takeover of Egypt by Islamists, especially the Muslim Brotherhood.
Whither Egypt?
February 3, 2011 | AIJAC staff
With the extensive coverage of the mass unrest in Egypt, and President Mubarak having announced (with a bit of a nudge from Washington) that he will neither be contesting the election in September nor leaving the country, this Update will focus on informed speculation about what might happen next in Egypt.
Egypt in Turmoil/ Hezbollah gets its way
January 28, 2011 | AIJAC staff
Today’s Update deals with the fallout from the extraordinary three days of protest in Egypt, following the example of Tunisia. It also has some analysis of Hezbollah’s apparent success in getting its preferred candidate, businessman Najib Mikati, in position to become Lebanon’s next PM.
